TEAM ACCOUTABLILITY EXERCISE “Own the Outcome”

[Diana Farmer-Gonzalez]

For a “Team Diagnostic” Productivity strength building Team exercise to build a shared language and practice around “Accountability” by identifying individual and collective ownership of results, commitments, and follow-through behaviors.

FRAMEWORK
• Duration: 90–120 minutes
• Group Size: 4–12 executives or leadership team
• Materials: Digital or analog Flip charts, markers, real or fictional team scenario, accountability behavior cards (optional)

EXERCISE STEPS
1. Set the Context (10 minutes)
• Share Coaching International’s definition of Accountability (or use this): “There is clarity of roles and responsibilities with high follow-through. When
problems arise, the team responds. Team members actively hold each other accountable for TEAM results and TEAM agreements.”
• Highlight key findings from the Team Diagnostic.
• Frame the session as practice and alignment-building.
2. Simulate a Real-World Scenario (40–50 minutes)
• Option A: Use a current strategic objective.
• Option B: Use a fictional but relevant case.

Breakout Discussion (20–25 minutes):
1. What does personal accountability look like here?
2. What does team accountability look like?
3. Where is there risk of blame or avoidance?
4. What would clear ownership sound like?

Report Back (20–25 minutes):
• Chart themes and highlight gaps in clarity or ownership.
3. Accountability Behaviors in Practice (30 minutes):
Discuss and define key accountability behaviors:
BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTION
Make and keep clear agreements Say what you’ll do, do what you say.
Ask for help early Don’t wait to raise a flag.
Own outcomes, not just effort Focus on results, not intentions.
Give and receive feedback Especially when commitments slip.
Hold peers accountable Don’t outsource to the CEO or HR.
Model ‘clean-up’ Publicly own and reset when you miss.
Reflection:

• Where am I modeling accountability well?
• Where am I weakening it?

Each leader shares one real commitment and one behavior to improve.

4. Create a Team Accountability Contract (15–20 minutes)
• As a team, agree to 3–5 accountability norms.
• Write them clearly. Post and revisit regularly.

Examples:
– “We hold each other accountable peer-to-peer.”
– “We own results, not excuses.”

Optional Follow-Up
Use a visible Accountability Tracker in weekly meetings.
Rotate an ‘Accountability Observer’ to call out behavior patterns.

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